Posted by Savneet Singh on Mar.18, 2010

©iStockphoto.com - Raffaelo

Everyone’s “going green” nowadays. But, let me ask you: what does the word ‘green’ mean? Advertisers love to use the word ‘Green’ almost everywhere. They have rendered it almost meaningless through “greenwashing.” The result is that our lives are reduced to a mix of lifestyle choices where using expensive so-called “green products,” unaffordable building codes and ridiculous gadgets have become only symbols of eco-friendly practices.

The truth is that we continue to consume as much as before. You can reduce your carbon footprint and go green by practicing some mindful observance of your routines, purchases, and other aspects of your lifestyle. You can start going green in real terms in following ways:

Go Organic

Look and ask for organic products in the stores near your home or workplace. Shop at your local health food store which has organic produce. In this way you will decrease your dependency on farms that ship food nationwide and cut back on gas emissions. Your decision to buy organic can reduce health risks those are posed by chemicals and pesticide exposure to the land, farmers, harvesters and your family. Find suppliers of organic and sustainably produced meat, poultry, eggs and more.

Compost

Composting is a way of breaking down and decomposing organic matter utilizing microorganisms. Composting helps reduce waste endlessly and needlessly going into the landfills. In addition, composting makes soil healthy and alive and reduces your dependency on chemical fertilizers, which not only pollute the environment but are expensive as well. Many people compost only their yard waste and kitchen scraps, but there are many other things, generally thrown away that could easily be converted into compost. Find out out more such things on Green Diva Mom’s list of 11 Unusual Things You Can Compost.

Buy Energy-Saving Products

Replace your bulbs with a compact fluorescent light bulb, when your next bulb goes out. Fluorescent light bulb last 10 times as long. They save energy because they use 1/4 the energy of an incandescent bulb, thus, save your $30-$40 on electric bill. When you go to shop appliances like washing machine, refrigerator or microwave, purchase energy efficient ones. Look for the government’s EnergyStar label on these appliance.

Buy Green Furniture

When you go for shopping furniture, go for eco-friendly wood furniture. Avoid the use of imported, tropical woods like teak and mahogany. These trees are often illegally cut from the rainforests. If you choose imported wood furniture, make sure it is green certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification indicates that the wood has been legally harvested from a forest and is managed for sustainability.
Look for natural, recycled or sustainably sourced materials. For example, you can get dining table tops with designs made out of used old doors as new. Wooden furniture made from local and sustainably harvested wood comes with natural coatings looks good and is contemporary as well.

Avoid Bottled Water

Get a a water filter in your home to purify tap water. Avoid buying bottled water. Bottled water, especially the small ones, generates large amounts of plastic container waste.

Buy Secondhand

If you want to redecorate your house, or if you have moved and looking for things you need, you can look at Craiglists or Freecycle. You can get cheap furniture, appliances, and other items. For everyday items you can also check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other useful things.

Use Your Gadgets Longer

Avoid switching over things like cars and electronics items frequently. Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible. Recycle your electronics in a reasonable way. Earth 911 offers a searchable map to find an e-waste recycling facility near you.

Buy in Bulk

Supermarkets’ bulk sections stock dry goods such as oats, pasta, nuts and other grains along with daily use items like soaps, shampoos and napkins. Rather than buying small packets, you can buy in bulk to avoid the packaging and save energy. Plus, item in bulk bins tend to be less processed and help you save money as well.

Cut the Clothes Dryer

Try drying your clothes in the ‘old fashioned’ way, by hanging them up either indoors or outdoors. Use dryer only when you are pressed for time. You can also purchase a drying rack for drying clothes.

Maintain Refrigerator Temperature

If you change the temperature of your freezer and refrigerator by one degree, you can affect energy consumption by 5%. Freezers should operate at -15°C to -18 while fresh food compartments can be be held at around 4°C to 6°C.

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Posted under Green Clean Air, Home Environment.